47 Labs

[calypso]

Hi, this is not a formal review but more a summation of my feelings and experiences with 47 Labs equipment and Jack Cheung ( JCR33 ) the importer and distributor. First of all let me say what an absolute pleasure it has been to deal with Jack. He is a genuinely nice and easy going guy. He has a wealth of knowledge regarding audio and his passion for the subject is obvious to all who meet him. As I stated earlier Jack imports 47 Labs as well as Kondo and Ocellia amplification and speakers. Jacks long search for musically satisfying equipment has led him to believe that this gear represents some of the finest communicators of music the audio scene has to offer and after hearing most of the above gear I am inclined to agree with him. I believe Jack's aim when it comes to choosing a system ( he may correct me if I'm wrong ) is the transmission of " feeling " from a musical recording. The sensation that makes you feel as if you're connected to the event rather than just being an observer or listener.
My direct experience with this comes through the 47 Labs Shigaraki Dac / transport combination and the ' Lens ' monitor speakers. The ease with which music flows through this set up is amazing. I find I'm sitting back and becoming immersed in the music rather than fighting that inner tension that sometimes is associated with the wrong choice of audio gear.
On top of the musicality of 47 labs you also get an exquisitely crafted item which is both a little bit exotic but also something to appreciate on simply an aesthetic level. The Shigaraki utilises nice Japanese ceramic enclosures and bases and is obviously a product which is the result of original and innovative creativity. The ' Lens ' speaker incorporates an exotic driver which, I believe,is the result of years of development. Unlike most single driver designs this speaker has a voicing which is quite pure throughout the frequency spectrum and thus combines the advantages of the single driver ( imaging, coherence etc ) without the disadvantages ( tendency to shrillness, thinness ).
Anyway, in conclusion, my highest recommendation goes to 47 Labs and for anyone interested in developing a system I urge you to give 47 Labs a try. Also Jack is an approachable and courteous person and I believe soon opening a showroom where the opportunity to hear his fantastic will be worth the trip alone.
Cheers Calypso.

[MultiplexMan]

Hi Calypso,

I love the look of the 47 Labs gear. It is a pleasant departure from uniform rectangular boxes. The Shigaraki Dac/transport combination and the Lens monitor speakers look like a perfect micro system. Beautiful gear that I hope to hear soon.

Cheers,
MM

[firefly0071]

Jack did a demonstration day for 47 Labs equipment. Lovely equipment!

[Grimmie]

Hi Calypso,
Just been looking for the sponsors link for 47 Labs but it doesn't seem to be coming up. (I seem to remember there was one). Are they still sponsors?
Grimmie

[calypso]

Hi Grimmie, I think Jack might have been a sponsor at one stage. I'm not sure. Anyway his website is www.audio101.com.au
Cheers.

[firefly0071]

Hi Calypso!

Did you buy the 47 Labs equipment?

[calypso]

Yes I certainly did !.

[firefly0071]

Excellent!

Jack started his business in the middle of a downturn and hence was always a challenge!

[balk2117]

Yes I certainly did !.

Well done, I think 47 Labs is a very fine product with integrity in their design. I own the Shigaraki Transport along with other transports and always seem to be returning to the Shigaraki for playback.

[firefly0071]

Jack did a demonstration last year - lovely music.

Just a bit beyond my budget.